Dies Martin's light-and-shadow form twisted into a grotesque smile, setting the air beneath the Starry Sky on edge.
"How about adding a first law to your order—one concerning 'betrayal' and 'atonement'?"
His voice carried a seductive power as he laid a difficult question before Qin Chuan.
It was a trap laid in plain sight.
If Qin Chuan refused to protect Dragon Soaring World, the grand vision he had just described would show its first crack.
A god's authority could not be challenged.
If Qin Chuan agreed, Dragon Soaring World would face not only the agony of having his Godhead stripped away, but also an "atonement" law personally devised by an ancient Demon God.
That fate might be worse than Divine Soul Annihilation.
Every eye turned to Qin Chuan.
Qin Chuan's expression did not change. He first glanced at the light-and-shadow form, which was vibrating rapidly with excitement, then looked back at Dragon Soaring World.
"He did not betray anyone."
Qin Chuan spoke calmly, but his words cut Dies Martin's laughter short.
"He was only exercising a fundamental right."
Everyone present froze at his words, including Dragon Soaring World himself.
"The eight Lesser Ladders to Godhood I am building are not eight cages."
"Today, a warrior may tire of schemes and want to return to the battlefield, take up his sword, and fight openly. The War Ladder should open its doors to him."
Qin Chuan swept his gaze across the crowd, his voice echoing through the Starry Sky shaped by rules.
"Tomorrow, a craftsman may grasp the mysteries of space after years at the forge and want to explore unknown dimensions. Then Swift Shadow Echo should show him the way."
"A scholar, an assassin, a Night Watcher—any of them might one day discover the path they truly desire."
"My order allows